 Welcome
to Chennaionline.com Chat.
Mr. N. Ram has arrived and is about to join the chat room.
Ravic: Its a gr8 feeling to be able to participate in a chat with a
luminary like you sir.
Ravic: Its a fantastic achievement, running a newspaper successfully,
profitably for 125 years.
N_Ram: Ravic, thank you very much. Many people are responsible for this.
Sekhar: I wish to see photos carried in
all pages in the online edition and also a revamped front page as it is
printed.
N_Ram: Sekhar, the next stage is to offer the whole page in the form of
tif files and we are working on it.
Vinu: Hello sir.
N_Ram: Hi Vinu.
Haries: Hello Mr.Ram... How are u??
N_Ram: Hello Mr Haries .
Prasad: Hi sir.
N_Ram: Prasad, hi.
V: What's your opinion on the increasing
attacks aimed at politicians (mainly those who are popular), the recent
being on Mr.Naidu? I feel it's still on paper only that India is a safe
nation & all these incidents will only keep the distance of the
politicians still much away from the common man. Your view please?
N_Ram: V, politics has long been a very dangerous occupation. Security
arrangements are often flawed.
V: Do you agree that security lapse is a major concern, despite of our so
called / claimed 'Z ' or what ever alphabetical category of security
cordon around VVIPs?
N_Ram: V, pl read our editorial tomorrow on this very same question, you
are on the ball.
Prasad: In Madurai traffic is much now
because all the route buses are not going in ring road but in the city.
Plz take some action to rectify this problem.
N_Ram: Prasad, yes we will, thanks for your suggestion.
Rangesh: Sir, let me first congratulate
your newspaper on completing 125 years of service to Indian
journalism...............
N_Ram: Rangesh I really appreciate it.
Nithya: Will there be any setback for
Frontline after your taking over as the Editor In Chief of The Hindu?
N_Ram: Nithya, I hope not, Frontline remains an equal priority.
Guest: What are the basic deciplines of
an good reporter?
N_Ram: Guest, accuracy, fleetfootedness, word length discipline and neat
writing.
Guest88: Considering the age of the
Hindu, what do you think are the reasons for the lack of its penetration
among the people?
N_Ram: Guest 88, we have a circulation of 9,80,000 and over three million
readers. No newspaper of course reaches a majority of the people.
Viswanathan: I like Hindu very much, a
day cannot pass without it, and I dont crave for some other newspapers
when the Hindu is on holdiday. The standard, paper outlay the quality of
print etc are all excellent , but my request is to cover more local news
including informative advt., in first three pages instead of two .
N_Ram: Viswanathan, it is readers like you who make our day every day. I
agree with you about the local news and we are working on it.
Guest45: What in your opinion is a major
shortcoming in the current political system. India doesnt seem to get
anywhere. We have terrorist attacks, border problems and many more. How do
we get to resolve all this?
N_Ram: Guest45, the main failing of the current political system is its
insensitivity to mass deprivation.
Guest45: Difference between journalist and reporter?
N_Ram: Guest 45, journalists comprise reporters, sub-editors, feature
writers, editorial writers, photographers, proof-readers and some other
categories. Reporters are the foot soldiers of the press and they are the
indispensable component of daily newspapers.
 Sudha_Rani:
Why did you name the paper as Hindu, sir ?
N_Ram: Sudha, as far as I know there was no religious connotation in 1878
when the newspaper was founded. The first editorial titled 'Ourselves'
made this clear, but we still don't know why the paper was named The
Hindu. Research is under way.
Mahadevan: Secularism is one of the
founding tenets of The Hindu (no one can dispute the fact that it has
religiously adhered to this principle). Then why is it that places of
worship of other religions get a very poor coverage compared to those of
Hinduism in the Friday Supplement? Is it simply because they are that much
fewer in number?
N_Ram: Mahadevan, we do try to cover religious activities of all the
sections of society. If there is an imbalance as you say, it will be
corrected.
Guest21: Dear sir, why politicians never
feel bad or guilty no matter what is said about them ?
N_Ram: Guest 21, in politics, as it is well known, you need a very, very
thick skin.
Viswanathan: Is it not possible to
improve the quality of paper further, that is make it thin and strong
instead of the one we are getting now?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, of course, there is much room for improvement,thank
you for your suggestion.
Engineer: Mr.Ram Saab,greetings to you
and our sincere wishes for yr esteemed daily's recent 125th year
celebrations in which our PM had participated .The function was wonderful
and you have really taken care of your Hindu family members from top to
bottom and showed to the world the success for the Hindu is due to yr team
work and uniting the effforts and satisfaction to all,all the best Ram,sir.
N_Ram: Engineer, I greatly appreciate it.
Guest21: How about the distinction
between Ram's Hindu and Ravi's Hindu? This distinction is necessary for
the following reasons: a) Brahminism b) anti-Dravidian, c) no importance
given to the rise, fall and achievement of the Dravidian Movement and d)
indirect focus on the necessity of the caste system. The (d) is with
evidence. Kindly, refer the Saturday's issue on the Young World, where in
"The role of Barbers in Indian Community" was written. Your
opinion pls?
N_Ram: Guest 21, the question is too tangled and complicated. No comment.
SAM: Sir, in general I think Hindu is the
topmost paper.
N_Ram: Sam, I sort of agree.
Siva: Thanks for getting the weather
column back.
N_Ram: Siva, it is the readers who brought it back.
Guest56: The Hindu news is considered to
very HIGH LEVEL in English , not understood by common people, why is it so
N_Ram: Guest 56, I am not completely satisfied with the standard of our
English and writing. We assume a certain level of English knowledge and we
do not write down to the reader.
Guest45: What do you say about the impact
of the Times of India in Chennai?
N_Ram: Guest 45, they haven't launched their Chennai edition yet.
Rangesh: Sir would you please tell us ,if
you possibly can,as to how it is like being a Marxist in an Iyengar
family?
N_Ram: Rangesh, I enjoy it.
Engineer: Mr.Ram saab,you are the editor
of the the most renowned daily of India which is read all over the world
and you have a very great role and responsibility, how do you discharge yr
responsibilities and play yr role and are you really enjoying yr
profession now-a-days?`
N_Ram: Engineer, yes I have always enjoyed my experience in journalism. I
think i am quite relaxed about it. No use getting into a fret about
anything in journalism.
Guest21: I strongly feel that politicians
are the main bottlenecks or hurdles in our country's growth, can't we
restrict them ?
N_Ram: Guest 21, there is no future for India without good political
development and this means effective politicians
Guest_best: Congratulations Mr Ram.
N_Ram: Guest_best, thank you very much.
Engineer: Sir,you are outspoken
,determined and expose injustice,dedicating to righting the wrong being
done to the Indians.Our political leaders are educated, but in the name of
religion ,caste,they are inducing communal feelings and are divding us ,
how do we correct them?
N_Ram: Engineer, communalism and other divisive tendencies must be firmly
combated, even if you are the only one in your street agreeing with this,
you must act.
 Guest:
Thanks for excellent coverage Hindu online gives including the obituary
column which is a great boon for NRI's. My concern is, its high time the
Hindu went in for an exclusive international edition originating from USA
to put our Voice in every sphere , we honestly lack in presenting our
genuine concerns to the world.
N_Ram: Guest, do you know that 90 per cent of our online page views are
from abroad? Guest, The Hindu has a hard copy weekly international
edition,but it has not grown. The answer I think is an online newspaper.
Engineer: Ram sir,do u have any
intentions of commencing a Tamil daily with weekly magazines?
N_Ram: Engineer, unfortunately, no.
Rangesh: Did you ever face opposition in
your family for esposing your beliefs?
N_Ram: Rangesh, I have had both opposition and support and I respect both.
Viswanathan: The supplement on 2nd Oct,
03 on our father of the nation was excellent.
N_Ram: Viswanathan, the supplement has been well appreciated. It shows
good content meets with reader appreciation.
Engineer: Ram sir,what are your future
plans for uniting the minds of various sects people/faith as you are the
president of harmony asson,india...are u conducting seminars awareness
programmes in towns and villages on behalf of yr assocn?
N_Ram: Engineer, Harmony India has become somewhat inactive and needs to
be activised. But my dear friend, The Nawab of Arcot, has made a fine
contribution to it.
Guest45: Everybody feels that the number
of parties should be limited but why no actions are taken so far ? who can
take action ?
N_Ram: Guest45, there is no way you can limit legally the number of
parties. It would considered undemocratic. But political practice alone
can limit the number of parties. For this the people should raise their
consciousness.
Vidhya: Sir my hearty congrats for the
way sports column is done in Hindu.
Anand: In the sports column y pay more attention to cricket, y not other
sports?
N_Ram: Vidhya, I was pleased to see that hockey has recently got better
coverage. But it is true that there is a national and media obsession with
cricket, the second part of the answer is for you , Anand.
Gopivishy: Why not publish The Hindu in
Mumbai?
N_Ram: Gopivishy, the circumstances need to be more congenial. We don't
want to enter into any price war in Mumbai.
Siva: Your coverage of Carnatic Music and
heritage is fighting for space? Can both get more space?
N_Ram: Siva, I would like more space to be devoted to both Carnatic and
Hindustani music, espcially the former. We will do our best for the coming
music season.
Viswanathan: Nowadays reading Hindu
really gives a great feeling and we feel like continuing without giving a
gap, may be it is because of the way it is presented.
N_Ram: Viswanathan, yes, we are trying to make The Hindu more interesting
and look brighter, you would have noticed the photos on front page.
V: What I miss in THE HINDU nowadays are
the lovely cartoons of R K.Lakshman...Is there no alternative to that
legend? Or can you make those special ones by some one else etc?
N_Ram: V, R K Laxman, the Times of India's peerless cartoonist, is the
only unambiguous genius in Indian journalism. There are many would-be
geniuses! Mr RKL is recovering from a stroke in a Mumbai hospital and I
wish him a smooth recovery. I was very pleased when Mr Laxman called me a
few times from his hospital bed. I am his long standing fan. I collect
Laxman's originals.
Mahadevan: Your comments on the Hindu
being labelled as elitist? Perhaps thats why your penetration is low?
N_Ram: Mahadevan, any English language newspaper is read by not more than
5 to 10 per cent of the population and that is an optimistic estimate. But
it need not be elitist. It can take up the cause of the people as we seek
to do.
Guest444: Sir (my English is bad), dont
you feel the BJP Govenment got nothing appart from Ram Temple and the
Kashmir isue? Every day our PM & Deputy PM talk about those things as
though its important and your news paper gives the report!!
N_Ram: Guest444, we only report the news. I fully agree that the
demolition of the Babri Masjid was a vile and barbaric
act and the Ram janmabhoomi movement has nowhere to go.
Guest88: My concern is there is no proper
representation of reality of South East Asia in US press, dont you think
it is high time that Hindu pitched its base in the US with more than 20
million NRIs based globally - I will be happy to be associated in this
endeavour not for money , but for the cause of Hindu coming out in US.
N_Ram: Guest 88, that is something to be considered in the long run. We
are not ready for it yet because we have plenty to do in India. Our task
here is not accomplished by any means.
HMNithya: Will there be any impact of FDI
in print media on The Hindu?
N_Ram: HMNithya, we will try our best to protect the Hindu from the
negative effects of FDI but who can predict the future?
Engineer: Ram sir,last year yr live chat
in Podighai was just superb and it shows yr enduring voice in favour of
truth.
N_Ram: Engineer, thank you. I think I just about managed in Tamil.
Engineer: Ram sir,you are a
scholar,fighter for justice , how far u got success in yr efforts?
N_Ram: Engineer, I cannot pass judgments.
Guest59: Sir, do u think the small screen
having 24 hrs news channels is a set back to dailies?
N_Ram: Guest 59, not at all. Dailies continue to grow in circulation and
influence. It is TV that has to catch up.
Guest355: How do you differentiate
between terrorism and communalism?
N_Ram: Guest 355, terrorism is the use of means of terror against
civilians, communalism is the cynical use of religion as an instrument of
politics. It is also associated with hate politics.
Guest81: How about Hindu starting a
school for journalism which can produce highly ethical ,honest and high
quality international journalists?
N_Ram: Guest 81,the Asian College of Journalism set up by an independent
foundation is a journalism school of a new type. I am a trustee. The Hindu
as well as other media organisations support this. Pl come and visit us on
2, Anna Salai. By the way, The Hindu's first home was at the site where
the ACJ stands today, guest 81.
Gopivishy: Your paper should suggest
having English boards in the buses and the road signs in the cosmopolitan
city of Bangalore. It will really help people like us.
N_Ram: Gopivishy, I will suggest it to CM Krishna.
Arvind: We can see all the major dailies
and independent media coming down heavily on issues like religious
intolerance and breach of civil liberties (for example enactments like
POTA). But still nothing seems to stop the people who hold power. What
could be the next logical step that the press can take to stop these
horrendous acts?
N_Ram: Arvind, the press needs to wage a concerted campaign in defense of
the right to freedom. WE can only keep trying.
Binu: When is THE HINDU really going to
be national. I ask this question because ,not having a presence in the
commercial capital of India,which is Bombay makes your publication still a
southern chieftain.
N_Ram: Binu, south India is our domain. We have 11 printing centres
including Delhi and the 12th will come up in Tiruchi. In early 2004 we had
an eye on Mumbai and will consider coming when the time is right.
Rangesh: Sir, dont you think its highly
imperative for you to seriously think about expanding your base in the
north given that some animal spirited papers from the north are seriously
thinking about giving "Mount Road Mahavishnu " a run for its
money.
N_Ram: Rangesh, we are the top English language newspaper in south India.
But we are not complacent. We have no immediate plans for expansion in
north India. There are limitations to any organisation's growth, Rangesh.
Jai: Hello sir, many more happy returns
of the day.
N_Ram: Jai, my date of birth is May 4, 1945. I suppose you are referring
to the 125th anniversary of the founding of The Hindu. It was born on Sept
20, 1878.
Guest56: How do you distinguish between
the ediorialship of the Frontline (Left leaning) and the Hindu (right
Leaning)?
N_Ram: Guest56, I don't accept the second label.
Guest56: Ram, you are still known as "Mount Road Maha Vishnu".
When do you think you will be able to over come?
N_Ram: guest56, I am not going to respond to labels. I make a sincere
attempt to promote social justice. The rest is for you to judge.
 Viswanathan:
Is it not sad that in a place like Tirupati, the govt failed to protect
even the VVIPs. Who will be bold enough to go to the temple from now
onwards, it is a failure on the part of the local authorities in tkaing
necessary steps in time. it is a failure . It is dangerous for citizens to
move around, how will the govt protect the ordinary people.
N_Ram: Viswanathan, it is impossible to provide total security. However,
there has clearly been a security lapse. As many as 13 or 14 claymore
mines were planted at the site of a busy ghat road. The elements who
detonated the claymores were in line of sight proximity. This is a serious
security lapse.
Guest21: H for humanity, I for Indian ,
national pride, d- democracy -universal thoughts without bias thats what
HINDU stands for
N_Ram: Guest21, we will take it on record. Thank you.
Guest81: Why is it we can't ban caste
based parties when we can ban everything else?
N_Ram: Guest81, in a democracy it is not possible to ban either communal
or caste parties.
Siva: Navarathiri was hardly covered. One
small article in Metroplus, and Friday heritage pages are fighting for
space
N_Ram: Siva, wait for the rest of the coverage.
Fabiola: Hello sir, do you feel that foreign print media should be allowed
to operate in India?
N_Ram: Fabiola, I opposed it before the govt decided in favour of FDI with
a 26 per cent equity cap. We now have to respond to the new situation.
Guest21: Thick skinness to political
sensitivity of the achievement of the Dravidian movement is the main
reason for the lack of readership in Tamil Nadu. Do you agree with me?
N_Ram: Guest21, we have a big readership. You are wrong.
Viswanathan: Is there any plan to bring
Hindu Tamil edition in the absence of good quality Tamil dailies.
N_Ram: Viswanathan, as I said earlier, no.
Jay: Well Mr. Ram. I would like to ask
this question to you. The US State Department added LTTE as a terrorist
organisation. How do you feel about that? Considering that you were a
staunch supporter of LTTE's Prabhakaran?
N_Ram: Jay, I have strongly opposed the LTTE as an extremist., Pol-Potist
and terrorist organisation ever since it began to fight the IPKF.
Guest88: Why not a special column
-investigative journalism?
N_Ram: Guest88, we do quite a lot of investigative journalism. The Bofors
investigation between 1987-90 is a major story.
Guest3: Why are women organisations
fighting for 30% or 33% and not for 50% ? Do they feel that 50% is too
much ?
N_Ram: Guest3, they do seem to feel that a 50 per cent quota would be too
much. Even 33 per cent can't get over the hurdles raised by political
parties.
Siva: I am happy that after you took
over, articles by people like Kancha Illiah, MSS Pandian, Gail Omvedlt are
not coming any more, thanks
N_Ram: Siva, I have reduced the number of regular columnists on the
editorial page. I go purely by the merit of the subject and the article.
Vinoo: Mr.Ram, in what way can we rid the
bottlenecks of our country.
N_Ram: Vinoo, we will need some more time to discuss that.
Viswanathan: Nothing interesting is
happening in the economy or in industry, a sort of dull phase is all
around . When is the govt. going to accelerate the momentum in these areas
rather than blame it on opposition?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, this is a lacklustre period in politics, a relatively
good year for the economy thanks partly to the excellent monsoon. I hope
the people will benefit from this economic growth, but i have doubts
Viswanathan.
Mahadevan: You can give away the Special
Supplements in book form, in the Folio format. It is going to cost the
same. I'm sure many would like to keep them.
N_Ram: Mahadevan, we will consider bringing out some good features in book
form.
V: Is there any reason why suddenly the
last page, which used to be one of the sports pages been removed? Sports
lovers like me usually pick-up the paper & start from the last page
with coffee in hand. Now we have to turn around to the last but one page
to know the coverage? Does this mean sports is being pushed back in
priority? Your comments please? Is there any way that you could restore
sports back to the last page?
N_Ram: V, only peripheral sports news and features were appearing on the
last page. We thought we should make better use of this page and our
sports dept had no objection to it. Haven't you noticed that we have
carried both sports pics and reports on the front page? The Asia Cup
triumph was the lead story of the day. Aren't you happy, V?
Guest81: I had worked under GK and Ravi.
Wish I had worked under you also.
N_Ram: Guest81, I wish so too.
Guest95: Do you think the Election
Commission in India is a toothless body as it regularly fails to rope in
the political parties during elections?
N_Ram: Guest95, I think the Election Commission is one of the few
institutions that have done really well in the last decade. Hats off to
some of our election commissioners.
Viswanathan: What do you feel about the
Supreme Court's verdict on the latest govt employees strike in Tamil Nadu
, if people are cannot resort to strikes, will that not affect their right
to express their grievances to govt. Will that not affect the quality of
life?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, the SC's verdict was a clear denial of justice and was
conceptually and constitutionally wrong.
Even the Attorney General for India agrees on this point.
Guest355: Sir, who will capture the power
in the Centre in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP-alliance or the
Cong-alliance?
N_Ram: Guest355, not the BJP alliance. The Congress is yet to come to
terms with the inevitability and inescapability
of coalition politics. It is likely to be a hung parliament in 2004.
Siddharth: Sir,what is the secret of ur
success?
N_Ram: Siddharth, am I successful?
Siddharth: Yeah surely u r successful as u have won young hearts like
mine.
N_Ram: Siddarth, we want to win the interest and loyalty of young readers.
We think this is a weak area in our performance.
Guest56: Yes. Ram, you are successful. The Frontline Editorship is the one
I have always, enjoyed.
N_Ram: guest56, I too have enjoyed editing Frontline the most. It is a
special experience.
Jay: Do you honestly believe
"democracy" is the best medicine in Indian political scene?
There are as many political parties as I can count in every state.
N_Ram: Jay, democracy is inescapable for India. That is our dharma unlike
Pakistan's.
ENGRIQBAL: Ram sir,do u have plans to play an active role in the politics
in the future ,I mean at the national level.
N_Ram: Engriqbal, no I do not wish to get diverted from my journalistic
role. I am perfectly satisfied with it. I will make, I think, an awful MP
if people make the mistake of electing me. I won't give them that
opportunity.
Guest355: Give a best solution to solve
the Kashmir problem.
N_Ram: Guest355, the present division of Jammu and Kashmir can be
formalised. What India has must remain Indian, but politically India must
make an effort to win over the people of the Kashmir valley. We can do it,
guest 355.
Guest21: Fourth Estate- Judiciary-
Secretary and Bureaucracy -which stands with head high with absolute no
corruption in India.
N_Ram: Guest21, I would rate the press as the institution that has done
the best. And not for self-serving reasons.
ENGRIQBAL:Ram sir, I am also prepared to
extend my help for yr harmony India becaz such asson are the need of time
and personalities like you only can make it a success sir,my mail id is
jmiqbal@emirates.net.ae
N_Ram: Engriqbal, thank you and I will be in touch.
Viswanathan: Why dont the govt or the
major political parties make a drive against the factions? All the time
trouble starts only from them?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, factionalism is inescapable in politics.
 Jay:
Mostly the masses read "The Hindu" for classifieds? How many are
there out there who read just to get the news and contents?
N_Ram: Jay, I think a very decent proportion of our three million readers
are good, serious readers. That is The Hindu's greatest asset over the
long term.
MAHIR: Ram sir, Jay is not correct,majority I can say read for
news/contents and language.
N_Ram: Mahir, thank you. I hope you are right.
Guest56: You give a lot of emphasis to
even minor events and that is what makes your paper wonderful reading..
N_Ram: Guest56, the paper has to cover a variety of subjects, major and
minor. It has got to offer a varied menu everyday.
Viswanathan: Why is there a continuous
need even today for special treatment for SC/ST even after 50 years?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, Dalits and the bulk of India's tribal people continue
to suffer severe, entrenched oppression and
discrimination. Untouchability still exists in India. Just look around you
and you will see why. The extension of the constitutional protection is
necessary, viswanathan.
Siva: For youngsters like me in twenties,
the photo archives & reviews of great Carnatic Masters of past would
be a treasure to preserve...about how music season shaped up all along.
Would be great to see a special supplement (apart from normal One) during
the music season.
N_Ram: Siva, I have noted your suggestion and we will do our best.
Kumar: It seems in recent days, after you
took over as editor in charge, Hindu is showing some softness towards
communist parties, is it correct?
N_Ram: Kumar, communist parties have every right to grow and function in
India. Our coverage depends on what positions they take, how clearly
communist leaders articulate their positions on key issues and how well
Left govts function.
Guest98: Sir, why is that your paper is
not covering Satya Sai Trust's Telugu Ganga Project for the water starved
Chennai?
N_Ram: Guest98, there has been coverage of this.
Viswanathan: I was a bit upset when a
prominent person said that Hindu soil's ones hand after reading, it might
be 10 years ago, but not now, the quality of ink is as good as any foreign
papers.
N_Ram: Viswanathan, that was the Governor's joke. Perhaps outdated today.
Siddharth: What do u think about today's
youngsters?
N_Ram: Siddharth, they are interesting, lively and fun to meet. Many of
them have progressive aspirations. They need to be given much better
opportunities.
Jay: The good point about "The
Hindu" as a whole is it never sowed seeds of hatred ?
N_Ram: Jay, I think that is completely true.
Nirmala: Sir,I appreciate the refreshing
layout from 1 to last page. I request that the standard of contents should
not be diluted.Why are pics of notorious people blown up in page one?
N_Ram: Nirmala, highlighting news or photos of all kinds of people is part
of the newspaper's dharma. You don't censor their appearance on the news
pages just because you disapprove of them. Readers must learn to be more
broad minded and tolerant of what they read. They must not draw wrong
conclusions. To suggest that highlighting something is 'approving it' is
not correct.
Rahul: Do u think that todays movies will
give a better future for tomorrow's generation?
N_Ram: Rahul, I hardly have the time to watch films. I read in the
newspapers that there is a controversial film called Boys. What do you
think about it?
Siddharth: Sir,what do u think about our
Chief Minister?
N_Ram: Siddharth, no comments today. But we will have more to say in our
newspaper.
Kumar: like Bofors, why are you not
making any fresh investigative journalism, will HINDU do it whenever
required, or it just wants to remain a news paper without investigation
journalisam?
N_Ram: Kumar, you can't conjure a Bofors-type investigation. Corruption on
that scale must happen for a newspaper to investigate and expose it.
Guest45: Hi Ram, What level of
independence does the Indian press enjoy?
N_Ram: Guest45, the Indian press in my view enjoys an enviable degree of
freedom by developing world standards. However, recent applications of the
laws of criminal defamation and criminal contempt of court have put
unreasonable pressures on this freedom. I said so in my speech during the
125th anniversary inaugural function in the presence of the PM.
Siddharth: Sir,what was ur ambition
during ur childhood?
N_Ram: Siddharth, I was born in a newspaper family and never managed to
escape the influence. Along the way I studied in a journalism school in
New York. So I am stuck with journalism!
Jay: What do you think about
"conservative Republicans"? It seems they also are a divisive
force.
N_Ram: Jay, they are a benighted, awful bunch of people. The world would
be a better place without this political tendency.
ENGRIQBAL: The ink of a scholar is mightier than the blood of martyr who
sacrificed his life for the security of the country according to the
traditions of noble prophet Muhamamd and you are the one of the most
excllent and eloquent scholar , how do u defend the aspirations peace
loving people of india?
N_Ram: Engriqbal, Insha Allah, this task will be taken up.
Siddharth: Sir, how about Hindu
publishing a magazine for old people?
N_Ram: Siddharth, senior citizens need much better coverage in the press,
including our newspaper. We will find more space for it in the magazine
and other special sections and also in Frontline.
Guest225: Your opinion on people's
sometimes sharp criticism of your reports even though you may feel having
done a good job?
N_Ram: Guest225, I think I can honestly say I don't get upset by sharp
criticism. Our credibility improves when we publish criticism and even
condemnation in the letters to the editor column.
ENGRIQBAL: Sir,I wish to invite you to
Dubai to meet our Indian society here and a 'get together' with our Indian
society as well as others /which period will be suitable for you Ram
saab,pls give yr email id also.
N_Ram: Engriqbal, my e-mail ID is nram@vsnl.com I have been to Dubai and
other parts of the UAE on several occasions.
Siddharth: Sir,do u think that we gain by
being a member of WTO?
N_Ram: Siddharth, we cannot get out of the WTO, but we must oppose the
discriminatory and anti-poor policies pursued aggressively in the WTO by
the developing country blocs. Cancun showed the way, Siddharth.
Vinoo: Tell me something abt the finance
commissions?
N_Ram: Vinoo, Dr C Rangarajan, the Chairman of the present Finance
Commission, is a very competent man. The main challenge before the
Commission is to restore equity in the game played by the Centre against
the states in the name of cooperative federalism. There is much to be
corrected here, vinoo.
HMNithya: Why does not The Hindu to
highlight the indifferent attitude of Ms. Jayalalithaa in accepting the
offer of Sathya Sai Baba in solving the water problem of Chennai?
N_Ram: HMNithya, we haven't thought about this yet. Is she indifferent?
Beniel: What you think about the
encounter of Venkatesha Panniyar? Its correct or not?
N_Ram: Beniel, we haven't got to the bottom of it yet. So I don't know.
Guest53: Please tell us whether the quota
system is a positive or negative one? Don't you feel that quota system is
also a reason for the fall in quality ?
N_Ram: Guest53, reservation policies on the whole have benefited the
non--privileged and socially disadvantaged sections of Indian society.
Naturally, there are hardships for the non-beneficiaries. A balance needs
to be struck in affirmative action or what is known as compensatory
discrimination.
Viswanathan: When the govt cannot arrest
Veerappan or control bomb blasts , how can the POTA deliver the goods ,
other than for detaining politicians?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, pl read our editorial 'For liberty's sake, Pota must
go'. It appeared just a few days ago.
Siddharth: Sir,what do u say about the
communal disharmony in our country?
N_Ram: Siddharth , it is the biggest challenge facing India.
 Reshma:
What do think abt the Kannappan matter?
N_Ram: Reshma, I think Kannappan must be condemned for the pro-LTTE
statements he made. But arresting a Central minister under POTA is likely
to create a constitutional tangle. The Attorney General, Mr Soli Sorabjee,
has given his opinion that speech per se cannot be proceeded against under
section 21 of POTA.
Siva: Why is Hindu giving so much
coverage to Local TN politics (like caste conflicts and dirty tirades)
now. The coverage takes the space which should be for other things?
N_Ram: Siva, our research has told us that readers want more local and
regional coverage. This is an area where the Hindu must improve and we are
trying to do it.
Guest355: Ram, bureaucrats in the hands
of unscrupulous politicans lead to rampant corruption in our country. What
do you say?
N_Ram: Guest355, yes. Arrogant and insensitive bureaucracy is a great
liability. When corruption is added, it becomes intolerable. But I have
known many honest, efficient and good bureaucrats.
Nirmala: Can u take up the cause of
meritorious students not finding a seat in recognised engg colleges in
Tamilnadu as the SC has permitted filling up 50 to 75% thru mgt quota?
N_Ram: Nirmala, there are some 250 engineering colleges in TN and no
shortage of places. The problem however is affordability of studying in
these colleges. Capitation fees are disgraceful and should not be
tolerated by the modern, progressive society.
Guest225: What do you have to say about
the recent naxalite attack on Mr.Naidu? Was it because of his so called
reforms or policies or because of him being the CM of the state?
N_Ram: Guest225, CM Naidu's high-profile position as well as his
development policies make him a natural target for the People's War Group
(PWG). We have congratulated him on his extraordinary escape. I think the
bullet-proof Ambassador car was the real hero. I hope the manufacturers of
the car will publish a full-page ad in our newspaper soon.
Guest98: Is it not true that u are having
a monopoly in Tamil Nadu? Why is there not a competitor for u?What is ur
Opinion?
N_Ram: Guest98, The New Indian Express is our direct competitor. I wish
them the best. I sincerely believe that we need competition to keep us on
our toes.
Satya: The BJP came to power promising to
put down terrorism, but terrorism has only attained a more diabolical form
after they came to power, not to talk about the communal flare ups, what
have you to say about that?
N_Ram: Satya, I agree that the BJP-led Central Govt has miserably failed
to overcome the challenge of armed extremism and terrorism. POTA certainly
hasn't helped.
Guest21: Sir, of late we have seen many
spelling mistakes in your paper, except the first page and 12th, 13th
pages.
N_Ram: Guest21, I too worry and fret over that. Yes, there are too many
mistakes.
Siddharth: Sir,if ur the PM what will u do to make our country a developed
one?
N_Ram: Siddharth, you cannot make India a developed country in the next 30
years. If you are to become a developed country you must first create
total literacy, especially female literacy, through the policy of
compulsory school education upto 10 years.
Balu: Can you afford to waste one page of
your valued newspaper on a stupid subject like astrology?
N_Ram: Balu, I don't believe in astrology or religion for that matter. But
in a newspaper various things appear. It was there when I took charge as
editor-in-chief. I am looking into it, Balu.
Viswanathan: Hindu can come out with
supplements concerning women development and matters relating to them
N_Ram: Viswanathan, absolutely.
Nirmala: What plans have you to attract a
higher readership rate among youth in the age group of 20 to 35.
N_Ram: Nirmala, this is the biggest challenge before us and we have held
several meetings involving all our key editorial people and the marketing
depts., on this question. As I said before, the Hindu needs to do much
better if it is to interest and attract young readers.
Siddharth: Sir,what do u say about the
Babri Masjid demolition case?
N_Ram: Siddarth, the CBI must pursue it more seriously than it has done
till date. The problem is there is no independent prosecution in India.
The CBI is often under pressure from the political masters of the day. I
hope justice will prevail in this case.
Raj: how r u maintaining Hindu as the
superior paper?
N_Ram: Raj, The Hindu greatly values its factuality and truth-telling
functions. In recent times there have been a number of complaints from
readers of bias. My firm view is that news reporting must not degenerate
into editorialising. There is a place for a) news reporting, b) news
analysis and interpretation and c) opinion pieces. These categories must
be kept separate.
Mahadevan: since your paper has extensive
student readership, I would suggest you profile institutes. Current
profiling in other media lacks objectivity.
N_Ram: Mahadevan, yes we need to do much more in profiling educational
institutions, highlighting the good points and also the talent of young
people.
Satyam: What's your personal view on
Times of India?
N_Ram: Satyam, The Times of India is a major, successful newspaper which
has many good points. Its coverage of the Gujarat violence was on the
whole excellent. Its cartoonist, R K Laxman, is a national treasure. But I
profoundly disagree with the Times mixing up of the marketing and
editorial functions and its devaluing of the latter. Just look at their
editorial page and you can form your own judgment. For all this, I read
the Times of India online everyday.
Siddharth: Sir,what do u think about
animal sacrifice?
N_Ram: Siddharth, it is awful. But society seems to have woken up to it
just the other day.
Guest25: Good evening Ram...Why is
"THE HINDU' more biased in reporting against BJP nowadays??
N_Ram: Guest25, we have a clear editorial view of the BJP and its
policies. You can read it yourself. However, I agree that news reporting
needs to be factual and this is where the Hindu's course over the last
decade was in need of some correction. We said as much in an editorial
published on Aug 27.
Viswanathan: Hindu can start a class room
session in the area of importance such as in IT, medical,mangement,forex
for the benefit of its readers, just like know your english!
N_Ram: Viswanathan, yes if we can find the space for it. This means
finding more pages and making these pages viable. In other words, such
supplements must be supported by an adequate flow of ads.
Siddharth: sir,what do u say about the
decision of giving ration items only to those who have an income above Rs
5000?
N_Ram: Siddharth, targeting in public distribution systems is known to
produce major negative results. There is a good deal of research on this.
A lot of needy people lose out. I don't think the decision was either just
or sound.
Guest: Why is "THE HINDU" cover
price cheaper in Hyderabad compared to Chennai??
N_Ram: Guest, because of the price war imposed on us in Hyderabad. It
hasn't come to Chennai yet. But newspapers will get into trouble if they
fix cover prices way below the cost of production over long periods. The
current dependence of big newspapers on advertising revenues is 80 per
cent. We are not at all happy about this.
Guest88:Ram, some of our election
commissioners jumped into politics after laying down their position,
leaving us to judge their decisions as politically motivated - although at
the time of application of such laws, it was hailed. Have you written
articles about them?
N_Ram: Guest88, I don't approve of their doings. They lost credibility as
a result. Still, the Election Commission has done a wonderful job in the
recent period. That is the truth. You can't argue with it.
MAHIR: Sir,definitely Chennaionline has
done a wonderful job by calling a real celebraity,and thanks a lot to
Chennai online editor.
N_Ram: Mahir, I too am grateful to Chennaionline for providing me with
this opportunity. It has also been fun.
LAXMAN: Sir, what do u think about the
media's role in the present political situation (referring to Tehelka's
role in the scandal issue)?
N_Ram: Laxman, I think Tehelka did a good job in its expose, but I don't
agree with some of the methods it employed. Unfortunately, it could not
survive. Tarun Tejpal , my friend, is trying to start up again with a new
type of weekly. Good luck to him.
Indian: And one more question, the West
Bengal Govt has been in power for the past twenty two years. Even as far
as the infrastructure development is concerned, WB is lagging behind, Why
so ?
N_Ram: Indian, actually it is for the past 26 years. It has done better
than any other govt with respect to the rural poor. Secondly, it is
remarkable isn't it that there is no anti-incumbency factor in WB? I am
sure that even the respected former CM Jyoti Basu would agree that the
govt could have done better in infrastructure development and in the area
of education. One factor is the unhelpful attitude of successive Central
govts. I think that on the whole the Left can be proud of its performance
in WB. No other state has been through anything like this, not even Kerala,
which has many accomplishments to its credit. It is certainly India's
socially most advanced state, I mean Kerala.
But there is a lot of development work to be done. The question is whose
interest do you think you are serving? You must be clear on this point.
 Kasthurirangan:
Sir, who in your opinion was the best prime minister India ever had?
N_Ram: Kasthurirangan, Jawaharlal Nehru, undoubtedly. For all his faults,
no other PM can hold a candle to him. Don't you agree?
Viswanathan: How long will the govt.
continue to have ministers without portfolios,without their presence in
Parliament and participation, why such things continue to happen and why
isnt the government made accountable for the same?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, good question.
Rural: Do you agree with globalisation
and privitisation?
N_Ram: Rural, I am critical of the experience of economic liberalisation
and the post-1991 policies. They have been completely insensitive to the
reality of mass deprivation that I mentioned earlier.
Kasthurirangan: Sir should pensions still
be there and subsidies too?
N_Ram: Kasthurirangan, pension is an entitlement. So if you have worked
for it, nobody should be allowed to take it away. Subsidies are a
different matter. Depends on subsidies for what?
Siddharth: What about Hindu publishing a
magazine to inculcate patriotism and awareness?
N_Ram: Siddharth, I think we can do it best in our daily columns.
ER: Ram sir,thank you very much for yr
wonderful answers. Thanks to Chenanionline also,and our sincere wishes and
heartful prayers for you, Ram sir,for your longevity,good health and
success in all your efforts.
N_Ram: Er, thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Rural: Sir, I think that the Hindu in
future will go through the communist approach and vision. is it correct?
N_Ram: Rural, you can judge for yourself.
Siva: Congrats for your campaign on the
sand mining issue...and now for Govt. action on that.
N_Ram: Siva, I too hope it will come. The policy announced needs to be
implemented.
Kasthurirangan: Sir what if the Indian
rupee now in circulation stopped overnight and a new ruppe was brouthgt
in? Will it not curb black money overnight?
N_Ram: Kasthurirangan, I won't support such adventurism.
Krishna: Do u think in this Tamilnadu is
undergoing a good spell in this reign?
N_Ram: Krishna, this is what I have read. We will follow this closely.
Viswanathan: All rivers should be
natioanlised, this is the only solution for interstate problems which
derive advantages at the cost of the people o. How long will we dispute
over Cauvery without any solutions, why doesnt the Supreme Court or the
Central Govt., give a final verdict on the issues to bind the states
concerned?
N_Ram: Viswanathan, there can be no grand solution to river water
deficits. The Cauvery issue has to be resolved on a give-and-take and
conciliated basis. In other words, both TN and Karnataka must reconcile
themselves to sharing deficits equitably in bad years. The tribunal is
expected to come up with its final award in the next several months and I
hope it will be a sound and fair award.
 Krishna:
Sir, can u claim that as a newspaper u have brought about reforms in this
particular government?
N_Ram: Krishna, no, I don't make any such claim.
Kasthurirangan: When I was a child my
father asked me to read the HINDU to improve my English. Now I am asking
my sons to do the same.
N_Ram: Kasthurirangan, I hope we will make fewer mistakes for the sake of
your sons.
Balaji: News papers are political driven
rather than event driven, do you agree with it?
N_Ram: Balaji, I don't think we can generalise on this point. Politics is
very important to the daily life of Indian newspapers. But we are
competent, I think, in covering news events. What do you think of the
Hindu's coverage of the attempt on the Andhra CM's life in Tirupati?
Binu: Mr.Ram,I really have to say that
some of your correspondents like Harish Khare,Raja Mohan,Amit Baruah and
S.Thyagarajan are superb with their analysis and presentation.I wish your
paper continues to attract such talents.
N_Ram: Binu, the Hindu Group employs about 850 journalists. Many of them
are doing an excellent job. But there is plenty of scope for improvement
and covering new areas. We must also become more of an ideas paper in our
opinion and features columns.
N_Ram: Time to wind up. It has been a
pleasure to respond to such a variety of questions. I am told there are
many more waiting in the queue. If they are forwarded to me by
Chennaionline i will do my best to respond. Good night.
And good morning wherever you are.
We thank all of you for making this a
huge success, very interesting and very useful. We hope you enjoyed it as
much as we did. We thank Mr. Ram for patiently and meticulously answering
each and every question. All the remaining unanswered questions will be
sent to Mr. Ram. After receiving replies from him, we will add the same to
the chat transcript. Thank You.
This Chat session is concluded
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